Systems and methods for use in providing local power line communication

ABSTRACT

The present embodiments provide systems and methods for implementing and controlling local power line communication (PLC) networks. Some embodiments include a central controller communicationally coupled with a PLC power line, a sensor adaptor coupled between the PLC power line and a consumer product, with the sensor adaptor comprising a current detector that detects a current usage level passed through the sensor adaptor, a PLC interface through which the current usage level is communicated over the PLC power line to the central controller, and an adaptor switch that interrupts current flow to the consumer product in response to a command received over the PLC power line from the central controller when the current usage through the sensor adaptor has a predetermined relationship to a first threshold.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/373,616, filed Mar. 9, 2006, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE INPROVIDING LOCAL POWER LINE COMMUNICATION, for Ryuichi Iwamura, which isincorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to power line networks, and moreparticularly to communicating over power line networks.

BACKGROUND

It has long been a desire to network multiple different products orentities to a single network. Establishing the communication linksbetween these entities has presented some difficulty and is relativelycostly. Further, it is often prohibitively complicated and costly toincorporate networking into simple systems such as homes and/or smallbusinesses.

Some networking systems have attempted to employ the use of conventionalpower lines that deliver electrical power to consumer products as thenetwork connectivity between entities, such as the consumer products.The use of the power lines as communication links, however, haspresented some significant difficulties in implementation.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENT

The present embodiments advantageously addresses the needs above as wellas other needs through the provision of the methods, apparatuses, andsystems for use in establishing and/or controlling a local power linecommunication (PLC) network. Some embodiments provide a local PLCnetwork that includes a central controller communicationally coupledwith a local PLC power line; and a sensor adaptor coupled between thelocal PLC power line and a consumer product, the sensor adaptorcomprising: a current detector that detects a current usage level passedthrough the sensor adaptor to the consumer product; a PLC interfacethrough which the current usage level is communicated over the local PLCpower line to the central controller; and an adaptor switch that isopened interrupting current flow to the consumer product in response toa command received over the local PLC power line from the centralcontroller when current usage through the sensor adaptor has apredetermined relationship to a first threshold.

Some embodiments provide a PLC network that includes a plurality ofsensor adaptors coupled with one of a plurality of local PLC power linesand one or more consumer products controlling current flow from thelocal PLC power lines to the corresponding one or more consumerproducts; a central controller coupled with a first local PLC power lineof the plurality of local PLC power lines and in communication with theplurality of sensor adaptors over the plurality of local PLC powerlines, the central controller comprises: a PLC interface coupled withthe first local PLC power line; and a controller coupled with the PLCinterface through which the controller transmits and receives PLC datasignals, wherein the controller receives a plurality of current usageinformation over the plurality of local PLC power lines from theplurality of sensor adaptors, determines for each sensor adaptor whetherthe current usage information has a predetermined relationship with oneof a plurality of first thresholds, generates one or more interruptcommands for one or more sensor adaptors with associated current usageinformation that has the predetermined relationship with one of theplurality of first thresholds, and communicates the one or moreinterrupt commands over the plurality of local PLC power lines; and theone or more sensor adaptors receive the one or more interrupt commandssuch that the one or more sensor adaptors interrupt power to thecorresponding one or more consumer products.

Other embodiments provide a method of use in controlling power usageover a PLC. The method monitors a local current usage level of currentreceived from a local power line communication (PLC) network anddelivered to a consumer product; communicates the local current usagelevel over the local PLC network; receives the local current usage levelfrom over the local PLC network at a central controller of the local PLCnetwork; determines at the central controller whether there is apredetermined relationship between the local current usage level and athreshold; and communicates from the central controller an interruptcommand over the local PLC network when there is a predeterminedrelationship between the local current usage level and the threshold.

A better understanding of the features and advantages of the presentinvention will be obtained by reference to the following detaileddescription of the invention and accompanying drawings which set forthan illustrative embodiment in which the principles of the invention areutilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentembodiments will be more apparent from the following more particulardescription thereof, presented in conjunction with the followingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified block diagram of a local PLC networkaccording to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of one implementation of thecentral controller to be implemented in the network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified perspective view of an exampleimplementation of a central controller;

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified block diagram of a sensor adaptor that canbe implemented in the PLC network of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict simplified side and front views, respectively, of asensor adaptor of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 depicts a simplified block diagram of a PLC circuit breaker thatcan be implemented in the breaker board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts a simplified flow diagram of a process for use inmonitoring and/or controlling current flow over a local PLC network;

FIG. 9 depicts a simplified flow diagram of a process for use incontrolling current supplied to one or more consumer products on thelocal PLC network;

FIG. 10 depicts a simplified flow diagram of a process for use insetting parameters, programming and/or scheduling the control of thelocal PLC network; and

FIG. 11 depicts a simplified flow diagram of a process for use inremotely controlling one or more sensor adaptors and/or PLC circuitbreakers to control current flow to one or more consumer products of thelocal PLC network of FIG. 1.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans willappreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicityand clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help to improve understanding of variousembodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understoodelements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasibleembodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a lessobstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments provide power line communication (PLC) networksfor use in controlling power delivered to local consumer products. Insome implementations, the power is controlled at one or more outlets ofa local PLC. Through the use of the PLC network, some embodimentsprovide remote access and/or control over current and/or power deliveryto consumer products. Further, some embodiments provide user informationregarding power usage, state of operation, status information,statistics, parameter data, settings and other information. Currentand/or power levels used by consumer products can be tracked, andcurrent can be interrupted to one or more consumer products to controlthe usage of power and/or the operation of consumer product(s).

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified block diagram of a local PLC network 120according to some embodiments. The local PLC network 120 includes abreaker board 122 with one or more circuit breakers 124-126, acontroller, central controller or central monitoring unit 130, aplurality of sensor adaptors 132 distributed over the local PLC,multiple PLC network power lines, links or branches 134 and 136 and oneor more consumer products 140-143. The local PLC network 120 iselectrically coupled with an external power line 150 that deliverselectrical power to the local PLC network 120, typically, through ameter 152, such as a Watt-hour meter that measures Watt-hours deliveredto the local PLC network. In some instances, the local PLC networkfurther includes a network interface 160 coupled with one or moredistributed and/or remote networks 162 such as public switchingtelephony network (PSTN), the Internet, a wireless network (e.g.,cellular, optical, satellite, or other wireless network), and/or othersuch relevant networks or combinations of networks. The networkinterface can be substantially any interface to allow communication overthe distributed network(s), such as a modem (e.g., PC 10 and Cable IADSLmodem) or other network interface.

The central controller 130 transmits and receives PLC signal datacommunications over the local PLC network 120 to and from one or moresensor adaptors 132. PLC data signals can be carried between a firstlocal PLC power line 134 and a second local PLC power line 136 throughthe circuit breakers 125-126 of the breaker board 122. In someembodiments, the central controller 130 communicates command signalsover the local PLC network 120 to sensor adaptors to control currentand/or power delivery to one or more consumer products coupled with thesensor adaptors. Additionally in some implementations, the centralcontroller 130 can transmit and/or receive communications external tothe local PLC network 120 through the external PLC 150 network and/orthe network interface 160 over the distributed network 162, and in someinstances, the network interface 160 is incorporated into the centralcontroller.

In some embodiments, the local PLC network 120 additionally oralternatively includes one or more computers or other processor devices164. The computer 164 typically can communicate over the local PLCnetwork with a PLC network interface incorporated into the computerand/or through a sensor adaptor 132. In some implementations thecomputer further communicates with the network interface 160 and/orincludes a network interface 166 that allows communication with thedistributed network 162. In some embodiments, the network interface 160can be replaced by the computer network interface 166 such that thecentral controller 130 can receive and transmit communications over thedistributed network 162 through the computer network interface 166.

The local PLC network 120, for example, can be implemented according tothe HomePlug power line network standard. Typically, electric power iscarried from the external power line and/or external PLC network 150through the watt-hour meter 152 and distributed over one or more localpower lines 134, 136 through the breaker board 122. The breaker board122 includes the circuit breakers 124-126 as protection to the local PLCnetwork and consumer products 140-143, the central controller 130,computer 164 and other devices connected with the local power lines 134,136 of the local PLC network 120. The breaker board 122 further providesPLC communication coupling between the branches of the local PLC network120 by establishing one or more PLC communication paths between localPLC power lines 134, 136. For example, the PLC communication signalspass from a sensor adaptor 132 on the second local PLC power line 136,through a second circuit breaker 125 to an internal connection of thebreaker board 122 and out a third circuit breaker 126 to the first localPLC power line 134 to be received by the central controller 130.Communications from the central controller 130 can take a reverse pathto the one or more sensor adaptors 132 of the second local PLC powerline or other local PLC power lines.

The consumer products are typically connected with the local power lines134, 136 and PLC network through a sensor adaptor 132. Alternatively,one or more of the consumer products can be constructed to include asensor adaptor and/or the capabilities of the sensor adaptors asdescribed below. The sensor adaptors at least in part monitor thecurrent usage level of the consumer product coupled to the local PLCpower lines through the adaptor and communicate over the local PLCnetwork 120 with the central controller 130.

The central controller 130 monitors and/or gathers data from the sensoradaptors 132 and/or consumer products having sensor adaptor capabilitiesto determine usage of the consumer products 140-143. The consumerproducts can be substantially any consumer product such as clothswashing machine, cloths dryer, heater, air conditioner, television,stereo, digital versatile disc (DVD) player, compact disc (CD) player,computer, light, lamp, refrigerator, and substantially any otherconsumer product. Based on programmed parameters the central controller130 can at least in part control the usage of the consumer productsthrough communication with the sensor adaptors 132 and/or the consumerproducts.

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of one implementation of thecentral controller 130 according to some embodiments. The centralcontroller 130 includes an input port, plug or other adaptor 222 toconnect to the power lines 134, 136 of the local PLC network 120, apower source block 224, a PLC coupler 226, a PLC interface 230, acontroller 232, memory 234, a user interface 236 that can include, forexample, a display 240 and a keyboard, keypad, touch screen or otherentry device 242, and a communication bus 244.

The central controller 130 is coupled to the PLC power lines 134, 136through the plug 222 to transmit and/or receive PLC communications overthe local PLC network 120. Power to the central controller 130 isreceived through the power source 224 from the local power lines 134,136. In some implementations, the power source 224 further includes oneor more batteries, solar cells, or other sources that can supply power.The power source 224 obtains, for example, DC 5 volts from the AC powerlines 134, 136 and distributes the power to the components of thecentral controller 130. In some instances, the battery is a chargeablebattery charged from the local power lines 134, 136 when power isavailable from the power lines, and supplies power to at least thecentral controller 130 when power is not available from the local powerlines 134, 136, such as during a power outage.

The PLC coupler 226 connects to the plug 222 coupling PLC datacommunications and/or signals to and from the central controller 130.The PLC coupler cuts high AC voltages and passes PLC data signals toand/or from the central controller. In some embodiments, the PLC couplermay include a transducer and may be an inductive coupler such as toroidcoupling transformer, a capacitive coupler or other relevant coupler orcombination of couplers, for coupling data to and/or from the centralcontroller.

The PLC interface 230 coordinates the communication of data to and fromthe local PLC network 120 and/or external PLC 150. The controller 232communicates with the other device of the local PLC network 120 throughthe PLC interface 230. The controller 232 can be implemented through oneor more processors, microprocessors, computers, central processing units(CPU) and/or other such device for providing overall functionality, dataprocessing and/or implementing control over the central controller 130and in some instances the local PLC network 120. The memory 234 storessoftware programs, executables, data, control programming, scheduling,runtime parameters, operation conditions and parameters, other relevantprograms and data, and/or instructions executable by a processor,machine or computer. The memory can be implemented through ROM, RAM,disk drives, flash memory, removable medium (e.g., floppy disc, harddisc, compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD) and the like), andsubstantially any other relevant memory or combinations of memory.Generically, the memory 234 may also be referred to as a computerreadable medium. The local PLC network control provided through thecontroller 232 may be implemented by software stored in memory andexecuted on a processor and/or stored and executed in firmware. Further,the one or more processors can be implemented through logic devices,hardware, firmware and/or combinations thereof. Thus, the controller 232described herein may be implemented using substantially any relevantprocessor logic or logic circuitry. In some embodiments, the controller232 is implemented through a computer running software and/or firmwareto implement control monitoring the local PLC network 120 as describedabove and further below. The controller and/or PLC communications can bedistributed through the central controller 130 over one or more buses244, which can be implemented through substantially any relevant bussuch as a 68k-type asynchronous bus or other bus or combination ofbuses.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified perspective view of an exampleimplementation of a central controller 130. The central controller caninclude a casing 320, the plug or other adaptor 222 connecting to thepower lines 134, 136 of the local PLC network 120, and the userinterface 236 that allows a user to input control parameters, determinesettings, determine statistics of the local PLC network 120 and/orspecific consumer products 140-143 or other devices on the local PLCnetwork, and otherwise adjust control of the local PLC network 120. Theuser interface can include, for example, a display 240 such as a liquidcrystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, plasmascreen, touch screen, or other such displays. Further, one or more inputcontrols 242 can additional be included such as buttons, an alphanumerickeyboard, touch screen, dials and other such input devices orcombinations of input devices. A user can determine statistics of thelocal PLC network 120 through the display 240 and/or enter or adjustoperating parameters through the user interface 236. Data entered by theuser from the input controls 242 is sent to the controller 232. Thedisplay 240 displays data sent from the controller.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display 240 can provide statistics, parameters,listings of devices of the local PLC network, and other information,such as indicating consumer product names and/or sensor adaptoridentifiers 321, power status 322 (e.g., on or off), a current levelvalue 324, a present time and/or date 326, and other relevantinformation. In some embodiments, the PLC network information isprovided through a displayed user interface 330 that allows a user tointeract with central controller, e.g., make selections through thedisplay using a mouse, pointer or other selection method. The userinterface can be configured with multiple different screens and/or userinterfaces that display information and/or allow users to enter and/ordefine parameters, limits, names and other data. For example, a user mayconfigure a current usage limit for each consumer produce and/or sensoradaptor.

The central controller 130 monitors the current and/or power usage ofone or more consumer products 140-143 of the local PLC network 120.Further in some implementations, the central controller 130 controls theoperation of one or more of the consumer products. For example, when itis detected that a current being drawn by a consumer product exceeds adefined threshold level, the central controller 130 can cause power tothe consumer product to be interrupted and/or a warning message 328 canbe activated and/or displayed on the display 240. The user can see thepower status of one or more consumer products 140-143 in communicationwith the controller, either directly and/or through a sensor adaptor132.

Additionally or alternatively, the central controller 130 can remotelyturn on or off consumer products when desired. Further in someembodiments, the central controller 130 controls each sensor adapter 132so that a consumer product can be turned on or off at one or morespecified times. The central controller 130 is shown as an independent,stand alone device. In some embodiments, however, the central controllercan partially or fully be implemented through the computer 164, throughone or more of the consumer products 140-143 having processingcapabilities, or other processing devices of the local PLC network 120.

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified block diagram of a sensor adaptor 132according to some embodiments. The sensor adaptor 132 includes areceptacle or PLC output port 422, an adaptor switch 424, a solenoid orother relevant switch trigger or control 426, a PLC power line datasignal coupler 428, a current or power sensor 430, a power source orsupply 432, a PLC input port, plug or other adaptor 434, a controllerPLC data signal coupler 440, a PLC interface 442, an adaptor controller444, a memory 446 and one or more communication buses or other relevantinternal communication network 450. In operation, the sensor adaptor 132provides an interface between the PLC power lines 134, 136 and theconsumer product 140-143. The sensor adaptor connects with the PLC powerlines 134, 136 through the plug 434 through which power and PLC datasignals are received. The electric power is carried through the currentsensor 430 and the adaptor switch 424 to the receptacle 422 to which theconsumer product is connected to receive the electrical power.

The power supply 432 further couples with the plug 434 receiving powerfrom the local power lines 134, 136 and delivering power to the relevantcomponents of the sensor adaptor 132. The power supply 432 obtains, forexample, DC 5 volts from the AC power lines 134, 136 and distributes thepower accordingly. In some embodiments, the power supply 432additionally or alternatively includes a battery or other power sourcethat delivers power to at least the adaptor sensor. In some instances,the battery is a chargeable battery charged from the local power lines134, 136 when power is available from the power lines, and suppliespower to at least the sensor adaptor 132 when power is not availablefrom the local power lines 134, 136.

The controller PLC coupler 440 connects to the plug 434 coupling PLCsignal data to and/or from the sensor adaptor 132. The PLC coupler cutsthe high AC voltage and passes PLC data signals to the adaptorcontroller 444. In some embodiments, the PLC coupler may include atransducer and may be an inductive coupler such as toroid couplingtransformer, a capacitive coupler or other relevant coupler orcombination of couplers, for coupling data to and/or from the adaptorcontroller 444. In some implementations, the controller PLC coupler 440is similar to the PLC coupler 226 of the central controller. Similarly,the PLC power line coupler 428 passes PLC data communications and/orsignals between a consumer product coupled to the receptacle 422 and thelocal PLC power line 134, 136 establishing PLC communication between theconsumer product at the sensor adaptor 132 and the central controller130, other consumer product on the local network 120 or other local orremote devices capable of receiving PLC signals. The PLC power linecoupler 428 can be implemented similar to the controller PLC coupler440.

The PLC interface 442 establishes PLC communication capabilities betweenthe sensor adaptor and the local power lines 134, 136, and is controlledat least in part by the adaptor controller 444. The adaptor controller444 communicates with the central controller 130 and/or other sensoradaptors 132 or consumer products of the local PLC network 120 throughthe PLC interface 442.

The adaptor controller 444 provides control for the sensor adaptor 132,coordinates the operation of the adaptor switch 424 and communicationsto and from the sensor adaptor 132. The adaptor controller can beimplemented through one or more processors, microprocessors, computers,CPUs and/or other such device for providing overall functionality, dataprocessing and/or implementing control over the sensor adaptor 132. ThePLC communication control provided through the adaptor controller 444may be implemented by software stored in memory and executed on aprocessor and/or stored and executed in firmware. Further, the one ormore processors can be implemented through logic devices, hardware,firmware and/or combinations thereof. Thus, the adaptor controller 444described herein may be implemented using substantially any relevantprocessor logic or logic circuitry. In some embodiments, the adaptorcontroller 444 is implemented through a computer running software and/orfirmware to implement current and/or power usage, power control over oneor more consumer products and communicating over the local PLC network120 as described above and further below.

The memory 446 stores software programs, executables, data, controlprogramming, scheduling, runtime parameters, operation conditions andparameters, other relevant programs and data, and/or instructionsexecutable by a processor, machine or computer. The memory can beimplemented through ROM, RAM, disk drives, flash memory, removablemedium (e.g., floppy disc, hard disc, compact disc (CD), digitalversatile disc (DVD) and the like), and substantially any other relevantmemory or combinations of memory. Generically, the memory 446 may alsobe referred to as a computer readable medium.

In some embodiments, one or more software programs utilized by theadaptor controller 444 are stored in the memory 446. The adaptorcontroller 444 controls the current sensor 430, the PLC interface 442and/or solenoid 426 over the internal bus(es) 450. The internal bus 450,for example, is an I2C bus or other relevant bus or combination ofbuses.

The current sensor 430 consists of, for example, a current transformerand an analog-to-digital converter. A digitalized current usage level isforwarded to the adaptor controller 444. In some implementations, theadaptor controller 444 communicates the measured current data to thecentral controller 130 through the PLC interface 442 and over the localPLC power line(s) 134, 136. Additionally and/or alternatively, thecentral controller 130 and/or the adaptor controller 444 can track thecurrent usage through the sensor adaptor 132. In tracking the usage, theadaptor controller 444 can maintain an accumulated or summed use ofcurrent and/or power by the one or more consumer products receivingpower through the sensor adaptor, maintain an average usage (e.g.,average hourly usage), record one or more measurements, track peakusage, average usage, and other such tracking and/or evaluating. Stillfurther in some embodiments, the adaptor controller 444 can be provided,for example through the central controller 130, with a current and/orpower threshold, which can be a maximum peak current threshold, amaximum accumulated use threshold or other relevant threshold. In someoperations, when the central controller 130 detects a predeterminedrelationship between the measured current usage level and the currentthreshold, the adaptor controller 444 can be instructed to activate thesolenoid 426 to open the adaptor switch 424 to interrupt the currentflow to the one or more consumer products. Additionally oralternatively, the adaptor controller 444 can locally monitor currentusage levels to determine whether to interrupt the current and/or powerto the consumer product(s).

The adaptor switch 424 is typically closed allowing current to flowthrough the sensor adaptor and to the consumer product 140-143. When theadaptor controller 444 receives an interrupt or shut down command fromthe central controller 130, the adaptor controller 444 turns on thesolenoid 426 to open the adaptor switch 424. Similarly in someimplementations, the adaptor controller 444 can activate the solenoid426 to close the adaptor switch 424 upon receipt of a “turn-on” or closeswitch command.

In some embodiments, the sensor adaptor is a plug adaptor that mountsdirectly with a standard wall power outlet. One or more consumerproducts 140-143 can then be plugged into the receptacle 422 to receivepower from the local power lines 134, 136 through the sensor adaptor132.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict simplified side and front views, respectively, of asensor adaptor 132 according to some embodiments. The sensor adaptor caninclude a casing 520 that encloses the components of the sensor adaptor.The plug 434 extends from the casing to be inserted into a wall outlet,and in some embodiments is implemented through a two or three prong plugor other plug configuration. The receptacle 422 is formed in the casingwith slots or apertures 622 to receive a plug of the consumer product,for example a two or three prong plug or other plug configuration, withelectrical contacts or connectors interior to the casing 520.

The sensor adaptor 132 has a depth 522, height 524 and width 620. Insome embodiments, at least the depth 522 is maintained at a minimal sizeto limit the amount of space that is needed to employ the sensor adaptorand/or interfere with the placement of the consumer product (e.g., avoidhaving to place a consumer product an undesirable distance from a walldue to the depth 522 of the sensor adaptor). Similar in someembodiments, the height 524 is additionally or alternatively limited toavoid interfering with the use of one or more outlet receptacles. Forexample, often outlets include two outlet receptacles, and the height524 of the sensor adaptor is configured to avoid blocking a secondreceptacle. The minimizing of the width 620 of the sensor adaptor 132 istypically limited by the size of the plug 434 and/or receptacle 422conforming to a desired plug configuration. The sensor adaptor can beconfigured, for example, similar to a wall-wart adaptor. Further, thesensor adaptors can be manufactured at relatively low costs, withrelatively simple components. Some embodiments of the sensor adaptor caninclude two or more plugs 434 and/or receptacles 422, and in someimplementations can be configured to replace existing outlets beingdirectly hardwired to the local power lines 134, 136 and typically bepositioned recessed into an outlet box, for example, in a wall.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the central controller 130 communicates withthe one or more sensor adaptors 132 (and/or directly with consumerproducts that have sensor adaptor capabilities) to monitor and/orcontrol the power delivered to consumer products 140-143. The PLCinterfaces 230, 442 of the central controller 130 and sensor adaptors132, respectively, allow communication between the central controllerand the sensor adaptor over the local PLC power lines 134, 136 of thelocal PLC network 120. In some instances, the PLC data signals betweenthe central controller and one or more sensor adaptor can includepassing the communication through one or more circuit breakers 124-126of the breaker board 122. Typically, circuit breakers include a switchthat opens when a current exceeding a threshold is drawn through thecircuit breaker. This opening of the switch in a typical breaker alsobreaks PLC connections between devices of a local PLC network.

FIG. 7 depicts a simplified block diagram of a PLC circuit breaker 720according to some embodiments that can be implemented in the breakerboard 122 as one or more of circuit breakers 124-126. Typically, the PLCcircuit breaker 720 connects between an external power line 150 or mainpower source and one or more branches 134, 136 of the local PLC network120. The PLC circuit breaker 720 includes an internal power line 722, apower supply 724, a breaker controller PLC coupler 726, a PLC interface730, a first solenoid or other switch control 732, a second solenoid orswitch control 734, a breaker switch 736, a current sensor 740, abreaker PLC signal coupler 742, a breaker controller 744, one or morememory 746, and an internal bus or communication network 750. Typically,the PLC circuit breaker further includes a housing or casing 752 toprotect the PLC circuit breaker components and/or to allow simplifiedmounting in the local PLC network 120 and/or breaker board 122. In someembodiments, the circuit breaker housing 752 has dimensions that aresimilar to existing and/or conventional circuit breakers. The PLC datasignals are communicated through the breaker board 122 between differentlocal PLC power lines 134, 136. The PLC circuit breakers, at least inpart, maintain PLC communication paths between local PLC power lineseven when the breaker switch 736 is open (as described below) continuingto allow the central controller 130 to communicate over the local PLCnetwork 120 with the sensor adaptors 132 and/or the PLC circuitbreaker(s), including those instances where the circuit breaker 126 tothe local PLC power line 136 supplying power to the central controller130 is open and the central controller is operating from battery poweror other local power source.

The power supply 724 couples with the internal power line 722 to extractpower to drive one or more components of the PLC circuit breaker 720. Insome implementations, the power supply 724 is implemented similar to thepower supply 432 to obtain, for example, DC 5 volts from the AC powerline and distributes the power accordingly. Additionally oralternatively, the breaker power supply 724 includes a battery or otherpower source, and in some instances is a chargeable battery charged fromthe power lines when power is available and supplies power when power isnot available from the power line(s) 150.

The breaker controller PLC coupler 726 connects to the internal powerline 722 to couple PLC signal data to and/or from the breaker controller744. This establishes a PLC communication path between the breakercontroller and the central controller 130 allowing the centralcontroller 130 to receive current usage level information from thebreaker based on current levels measured through the current detector740 as well and the breaker controller 744 receiving breaker commandsfrom the central controller 130 to open and/or close the breaker switch736 based on predetermined relationships between measured current levelsand one or more breaker threshold levels. The breaker controller PLCcoupler 726 cuts the high AC voltage and passes PLC data signals to thebreaker controller 744. In some embodiments, the breaker controller PLCcoupler 726 can include a transducer and may be an inductive couplersuch as toroid coupling transformer, a capacitive coupler or otherrelevant coupler or combination of couplers, for coupling PLC data toand/or from the breaker controller 744. In some implementations, thebreaker controller PLC coupler 726 is similar to the PLC coupler 226 ofthe central controller.

The PLC interface 730 establishes PLC communication capabilities betweenthe breaker controller 744 and the external power line(s) 150 and/or thelocal power lines 134, 136. The breaker controller 744 communicates withthe central controller 130 of the local PLC network 120 through the PLCinterface 730. Utilizing the local PLC network 120, the centralcontroller 130 can control the activation and/or deactivation of the PLCcircuit breaker 720 as described below.

The breaker controller PLC coupler 726 and/or PLC interface 730 areshown on a main power line side of the breaker switch 736. This is oneimplementation of the PLC circuit breaker. The PLC circuit breaker,however, can be implemented in other configurations while stillachieving the desired local power line and/or consumer productprotection and maintaining communication over the local PLC network 120and/or external PLC network 150. For example, the breaker controller PLCcoupler 726 and/or PLC interface 730 can be positioned on a local powerline side of the breaker switch and in communication connection with atleast the breaker PLC signal coupler 742 and breaker controller 744.

The first solenoid 732 cooperates with the breaker switch 736 to openand/or close the switch. In some implementations, the first solenoidoperates similar to solenoids of common circuit breakers such that whena current level passing through the circuit breaker exceeds a primaryfixed threshold, the solenoid causes the breaker switch 736 to open toavoid excess current being drawn by one or more consumer products and/orshort circuits within the local power lines. In these implementations,current passes along the internal main power line 722 and through thefirst solenoid 732 and switch 736 to be delivered to one or more localpower lines 134, 136 and consumer products 140-143. When the currentlevel exceeds a predefined fixed primary threshold (e.g., 30 Amps) thefirst solenoid triggers the breaker switch 736 to open and interrupt thesupply of power beyond the circuit breaker 720 and into the local powerlines 134, 136 of the PLC network 120. In some embodiments, thetriggering of the breaker switch 736 causes a physical opening of theswitch that is to be manually closed by a user to resume AC currentflow.

The second solenoid or breaker switch controller 734 operates similar tothe first solenoid 732 to trigger the opening and/or closing of thebreaker switch 736. The breaker controller 744, however, causes theactivation of the second solenoid 734 to open and/or close the breakerswitch. The breaker controller receives current information from thecurrent sensor 740 notifying the breaker controller of the amount ofcurrent passing through the PLC circuit breaker 720. One or moresecondary thresholds are tracked by the breaker controller 744 and/orcentral controller 130. The one or more secondary thresholds can bestored in the breaker controller 744, the local breaker memory 746, thecentral controller 130 or other relevant local or remote storage device.When the current meets or exceeds a secondary threshold, the breakercontroller 744 activates the second solenoid 734 to trigger the breakerswitch 736 to open interrupting power flow through the PLC breaker 720.

The secondary threshold(s) can be a fixed threshold fixed in the breakercontroller 744 or memory 746. In other embodiments, however, thesecondary threshold(s) is a variable threshold that can be defined by auser, the central controller 130 and/or varied. For example, a user candefine a secondary threshold through the central controller 130,computer 164 and/or device on the local PLC network 120 or remote to thePLC network as further described below that communicates the secondarythreshold over the local PLC network 120 to be received by the breakercontroller 744 and stored, for example, in the memory 746. The PLCbreaker 720 and/or breaker controller 744 can include a local PLCnetwork address and/or identification to allow focused communication tothe desired PLC breaker. One or more PLC breakers can be incorporatedinto the local PLC network 720 in the breaker board 122, consumerproducts 140-143, sensor adaptors 132, along local power lines 134, 136and/or other locations within the local PLC network 120.

The breaker controller 744 provides control over the PLC circuit breaker720, coordinates the operation of the breaker switch 736 andcommunications to and from the PLC breaker 720. The breaker controllercan be implemented through one or more processors, microprocessors,computers, CPUs and/or other such device for providing overallfunctionality, data processing and/or implementing control over the PLCcircuit breaker. The breaker controller 744 controls the PLC interface730 over the internal bus 750. The internal bus 750 can be substantiallyany communication connection, such as I2C bus, or other relevant bus orcommunication connection. The PLC communication control provided throughthe breaker controller may be implemented by software stored in memoryand executed on a processor and/or stored and executed in firmware.Further, the one or more processors can be implemented through logicdevices, hardware, firmware and/or combinations thereof. Thus, thebreaker controller 744 described herein may be implemented usingsubstantially any relevant processor logic or logic circuitry. In someembodiments, the breaker controller 744 is implemented through acomputer running software and/or firmware to implement at least theopening and/or closing of the breaker circuit and communication over thelocal PLC network 120.

The memory 746 stores software programs, executables, data, controlprogramming, scheduling, runtime parameters, operation conditions andparameters, other relevant programs and data, and/or instructionsexecutable by a processor, machine or computer. The memory can beimplemented through ROM, RAM, disk drives, flash memory, removablemedium (e.g., floppy disc, hard disc, compact disc (CD), digitalversatile disc (DVD) and the like), and substantially any other relevantmemory or combinations of memory. Generically, the memory 234 may alsobe referred to as a computer readable medium.

The breaker PLC signal coupler 742 bridges the breaker switch 736coupling across the switch and establishing a PLC communication paththrough the PLC breaker 720 even when the breaker switch 736 is open.Without the breaker PLC signal coupler 742, once the breaker switch 736is opened PLC communication can no longer occur through the breaker. Thebreaker PLC coupler 742, however, cuts the high AC voltage and passesthe PLC data signals around the breaker switch and through the PLCcircuit breaker 720. The bypassing of the breaker switch 736 allowscommunication within the local PLC network 120 between PLC power lines134, 136 while one or more breaker switches of PLC circuit breakers areopen, and/or allows communication between one or more of the PLC powerlines and the external PLC network 150 while one or more breakerswitches of PLC circuit breakers are open. Further, the breakercontroller 744 can communicate over the local PLC network 120 with thecentral controller 130 to notify the central controller of thetriggering of the breaker switch 736 even when the breaker switch isopen or other breaker switches of other PLC breakers are open. Thisprovides the central controller 130 with further information about theoperation of the local PLC network 120 and further allows the centralcontroller to notify the user (e.g., through the display 240, alarm,sending communications to the computer 164, and/or external to the localPLC network).

In some embodiments, the breaker PLC signal coupler 742 can include atransducer and may be an inductive coupler such as toroid couplingtransformer, a capacitive coupler or other relevant coupler orcombination of couplers, for coupling PLC data through the PLC circuitbreaker 720. In some implementations, the breaker PLC signal coupler 742is similar to the PLC coupler 226 of the central controller and/or thecontroller PLC coupler 440. Still further, in some implementations, asingle PLC coupler is utilized for both the breaker PLC signal coupler742 and the controller PLC coupler 440. Other PLC communication bypassescan alternatively and/or additionally be employed, such as employing acontroller PLC coupler and PLC interface pair on either side of thebreaker switch and communicationally coupled with the bus 750.

The secondary threshold(s) can be programmed by a user, the centralcontroller, by a manufacturer, distributor or installer prior toinstalling, and/or other devices. Similarly, the secondary threshold(s)may be adjusted and/or vary. Further in some embodiments, the secondarythreshold(s) can vary over time and/or based on a schedule of expectedpower or current usage. Additionally, the secondary threshold(s) can bea peak threshold or an accumulation threshold where the breakercontroller 744 and/or central controller 130 track the power and/orcurrent through the PLC circuit breaker 720.

Typically, the primary solenoid 732 is configured based on a fixedprimary threshold, for example 40 amps, that the user cannot changewithout changing the PLC circuit breaker 720. The second solenoid 734,alternatively, is controlled by the breaker controller 744 allowing thesecondary threshold to be varied. This allows a user, manufacturer,installer, central controller or the like to set the secondary currentthreshold. In some embodiments, the first and second solenoids may becombined into a single solenoid that has a fixed primary threshold andthe secondary threshold defined in the breaker controller 744 thatactivates the solenoid upon exceeding the secondary threshold. Thecombined solenoid may provide cost savings, space savings and/orsimplify the circuit design. It is noted that the central controller 130and/or the network interface 160 may not work if one or more of thebreakers 124-126 is off interrupting current flow. In someimplementations, the central controller 130, network interface 160and/or one or more sensor adaptors can include local battery backup asdescribed above, and/or are on a separate local power line 134, 136.Further in some embodiments, a secondary controller can be included thatcan be activated upon failure of the primary central controller 130. Forexample, the computer 164 or other consumer product with at least somecentral processing capabilities (e.g., a television with centralprocessing capabilities) can take over central control in an event thatthe central controller 130 is no longer responding to requests.

Additionally or alternatively, the PLC circuit breaker 720 can furtherbe employed to control the power usage of one or more consumer products140-143. For example, the central controller 130 can determine that alocal power line 134, 136 or consumer product is drawing current orpower above a desired level and communicates over the local PLC powerlines 134, 136 with the desired PLC breaker to open the breaker switchand interrupting current flow to the identified local power line and/orconsumer product.

One or more of the circuit breakers 124-126 of the breaker board 122 canbe implemented using a PLC circuit breaker 720 allowing remote switchcontrol capability over one or more of the circuit breakers 124-126. Thecentral controller can receive communications from the breakercontroller 744 regarding the current passing through the PLC circuitbreaker 720 as monitored by the current sensor 740 to allow the centralcontroller to evaluate current usage and determine whether to activateor deactivate (e.g., open or close, respectively) the PLC circuitbreaker. Alternatively or additionally, the central controller 130 cansupply the PLC circuit breaker 720 with the secondary threshold levelthat is stored by the PLC circuit breaker and compared with currentusage as detected through the current sensor 740.

The local PLC network 120 allows current and/or power usage to bemonitored. The network 120 provides status information of sensoradaptors 132, consumer products 140-143, circuit breakers 124-126,central controller and/or other devices of the network, and furtherprovides control over the network. In operation according to someimplementations, the central controller 130 monitors the current usageover the local PLC network 120 and controls the power flow to one ormore consumer products 140-143. When a current and/or power usageexceeds a desired threshold the central controller 130, PLC circuitbreaker 720, and/or sensor adaptor 132 activate the adaptor switch 424to interrupt and/or halt current flow to one or more consumer products.As such, the central controller can remotely monitor and control thecurrent and/or power use over the local PLC network 120 by sending PLCdata signals to selected one or more sensor adaptors (and/or consumerproducts with sensor adaptor capabilities).

FIG. 8 depicts a simplified flow diagram of a process 820 for use inmonitoring and/or controlling current flow over a local PLC network 120.The process 820 starts at step 821. In step 822, a current level usageis communicated over the local PLC power lines 134, 136 to the centralcontroller 130. The receipt of current level usage can be periodicallyforwarded from one or more sensor adaptors, circuit breakers and/orconsumer products; forwarded upon detection of current levels exceedingone or more local thresholds; in response to a request from the centralcontroller; and/or other such conditions. In step 824, the source of PLCdata signal is determined. In some implementations the PLC data caninclude a source identifier, or other such methods for identifying thesource. In step 826, the central controller determines whether athreshold associated with the identified source is based on a sum or anaccumulated usage level. When the threshold is not based on anaccumulated usage, the process skips to step 834.

Alternatively, in step 828 the process adjusts and/or resets theaccumulated value when needed prior to taking into consideration therecently received current usage value. The resetting of the accumulatedvalue may be based on a time threshold (e.g., the central controller mayonly be interested in an hourly usage, daily usage or other time frame).Additionally or alternatively, the accumulated value may be adjusted bydeleting only received current usage values prior to proceeding todetermine a new accumulated value. For example, the central controllermay only be interested in an hourly or daily usage and thus deletes fromthe accumulated value those usage values received more than an hour or24 hours ago, respectively, and then summing the current value and thosereceived within the hour or 24 hours, respectively. In step 830, thereceived current usage is added to the accumulated value to obtain arevised accumulated value. In step 832, the process stores thedetermined accumulated value, and in some implementations the receivedcurrent level usage value.

In step 834, it is determined whether the threshold is to be based on anaverage usage. When the threshold is not to be based on an average, theprocess skips to step 842. Alternatively, in step 836 the processadjusts and/or resets the averaged usage value when needed. In step 838,an average usage based on prior values and/or prior average(s) isdetermined. In step 840, the determined average value is stored.

The process then continues to step 842 where a first threshold isretrieved for the identified source of the current usage level value. Instep 844, it is determined whether the recently received current usagelevel, the accumulated usage value, or average usage value exceeds thefirst threshold. When the first threshold is not exceeded the process820 terminates in step 862 or continues to optional step 852.Alternatively in step 846, the source supplying the recently receivedcurrent usage value is directed to activate or open the adaptor switch424 (or PLC breaker switch 736) to interrupt current flow to the one ormore consumer products receiving power through the sensor adaptor (orPLC circuit breaker 720).

In step 850, the central controller 130 records the change of status(e.g., from on to off, or off to on as appropriate), the time of thechange, and/or notifies a user of the change of status. The notificationto the user can be implemented by indicating the status on the centralcontroller display 240, the computer 164, generating an alarm at thecentral controller and/or sensor adaptor, generating a communicationover the local PLC to computer, activating a light on a sensor adaptor,generate communication over external PLC network 150 and/or distributednetwork 162, and other such notifications and/or combinations ofnotifications.

In some embodiments, the process 820 can include additional optionalsteps that provide warnings when current usage levels are getting closeto shutoff levels. In step 852, the process identifies a second usagethreshold for the identified source. In step 854, it is determinedwhether the current usage level, accumulated value or average valueexceeds the second threshold. When the second threshold is not exceededthe process terminates at step 862. Alternatively, in step 856 thecentral controller generates and records a warning and the time. In step860, the user is notified of the change of status or warning. Thenotification can be implemented as described above with regard to step850. The process 820 terminates at step 862.

FIG. 9 depicts a simplified flow diagram of a process 920 for use incontrolling current supplies to one or more consumer products on thelocal PLC network 120. The process 920 starts at step 921. In step 922,a sensor adaptor, consumer product having sensor adaptor capabilities,or PLC circuit breaker 720 that has been activated to interrupt currentflow to the consumer product is identified. In step 924, a period oftime for which the current flow has been interrupted to the consumerproduct is determined. In step 926, it is determined whether a timethreshold or period is defined for which the current flow is to beinterrupted. When there is not a defined time threshold the processskips to step 940.

Alternatively, in step 930 the time threshold is identified. In step 932the process determines whether the time threshold has been exceeded.When the time threshold has been exceed the process continues to step950. When the time threshold has not been exceeded, step 940 is enteredwhere it is determined whether a command has been received (e.g.,received from the central controller user interface 236, computer 264,external PLC network 150, distributed network 162, or other sources).When a command has been received the process skips to step 950.

Alternatively in step 942, it is determined whether a schedule existsfor controlling the identified sensor adaptor 132 (PLC circuit breakeror consumer product) controlling current flow to one or more consumerproducts. In those instances where there is not a schedule for theidentified sensor adaptor the process 920 terminates at step 954. Whenthere is a schedule, step 944 is entered where a current time isidentified. In step 946, it is determined whether one or more sensoradaptor 132 (or consumer product) of the local PLC network 120 are to beactivated (opening the adaptor switch 424 and interrupting the currentflow) or deactivated (closing the adaptor switch and allowing current toflow to the consumer product(s)) according to the current time and theschedule.

When there are no scheduled activations/deactivations, the process 920terminates at step 954. Instead when there are scheduledactivations/deactivations, step 950 is entered where the appropriatesensor adaptor(s) (and/or consumer product) is activate or deactivateaccordingly. In step 952, the process 920 determines whether there arefurther sensor adaptors (PLC circuit breakers, consumer products) to beevaluated. When there are, the process returns to step 922,alternatively, the process terminates at step 954.

FIG. 10 depicts a simplified flow diagram of a process 1020 for use insetting parameters, programming and/or scheduling the control of thelocal PLC network 120. The process 1020 starts at step 1021. In step1022, a request to adjust parameters is received and identified. In step1024, it is determined whether the user wishes to change parameters of asensor adaptor 132, PLC circuit breaker 720, schedule or otherparameters.

In step 1026, the one or more sensor adaptors 132, PLC circuit breakers720, and/or consumer products with sensor adaptor capabilities of thelocal PLC network 120 are identified. In some embodiments, the sensoradaptors (consumer products) can be listed on a user interface displayedas selectable options on the user interface display 240 of the centralcontroller, on the computer 164, on a remote computer coupled with theexternal PLC network 150 and/or distributed network 162, or otherwiselisted. In step 1030, the process determines which sensor adaptor(s) isto be adjusted, which in some instances is determined by a userselecting one or more sensors to adjust.

In step 1034, the available parameters of the identified sensor adaptorare identified. Again in some embodiments, the available parameters canbe displayed to the user as selectable options. The parameters caninclude on/off (or activate/deactivate) status, warning threshold level,activate/deactivate threshold level(s) and other such parameters. Instep 1036, the user is provided with the parameters for the identifiedsensor adaptor (e.g., display parameters).

In step 1040, the process identifies changes to the parameters andenters and stores the changes to the selected parameters. Again, theuser enters changes, typically, through the user interface 236, localcomputer 164 or other entry device. In step 1042, the process 1020determines whether further sensor adaptors are to be adjusted. Whenfurther sensor adaptors are to be adjusted, the process returns to step1026. Alternatively, the process continues to step 1050, where availablePLC circuit breakers 720 of the local PLC network 120 are identified tothe user. In step 1052, it is determined whether a PLC circuit breakeris to be adjusted. When there is no breaker to adjust, the processcontinues to step 1064. Alternatively, in step 1054, parameters ofidentified PLC circuit breaker are identified. In step 1056, the user isprovided with the parameters for the identified PLC circuit breaker(e.g., display parameters), such as secondary threshold level and otherparameters.

In step 1060, changes to the selected parameters of the PLC circuitbreaker specified by the user are identified. In step 1062, it isdetermined whether further PLC circuit breakers are to be adjusted. Whenfurther PLC circuit breakers are to be adjusted, the process returns tostep 1050. Alternatively, step 1064 is entered where the user isprovided with a schedule. Again, the schedule can be displayed to theuser. In step 1066, changes to schedule are identified. This can includean initial population of the schedule and/or adjustments to alreadydefined schedule(s). In step 1070, the changes to sensor adaptorparameters, PLC circuit breaker parameters and/or the schedule arerecorded and implemented. The process 1020 terminates at step 1072.

The schedule allows the local PLC network 120 to activate and/ordeactivate consumer products based on time. For example, lights can bescheduled to come on at dusk, consumer products (e.g., lights, TV and/orradio) can be configured to come on when a user is out of town tosimulate that a home owner is still present, and other such scheduling.

FIG. 11 depicts a simplified flow diagram of a process 1120 for use inremotely controlling one or more sensor adaptors 132 and/or PLC circuitbreakers to control current flow to one or more consumer products140-143. The process 1120 starts at step 1121. In step 1122, a userrequest to control one or more sensor adaptors and/or PLC circuitbreakers is received. In step 1124, it is determined whether propersecurity clearance is received. The security clearance can be determinedthrough one or more methods such as, but not limited to, determiningwhether a request can be decrypted, whether a request includes a properpassword, whether a request is received from an identified source (e.g.,central controller 130, local computer 164, remote computer coupled withthe distributed network 162), and other such methods or combinations ofmethods to determine security. When the security clearance is notverified the process continues to step 1126 where a failure reply isgenerated (e.g., displayed failure, audio notification of failure, orother reply), and the process 1120 returns to step 1122. In someimplementations, the process 1120 returns to step 1122 from step 1126 apredefined number of times (e.g., twice, giving the user threeopportunities to provide the correct clearance) and then terminatesfollowing predefined number of failures.

In step 1130, the user is provided with a list (e.g., displayed) ofsensor adaptors and/or PLC circuit breaker. In step 1132, the process1120 identifies which sensor adaptor(s) and/or PLC circuit breaker(s) isto be activated or deactivated according to received user commands. Instep 1134, the change command is recorded. In step 1136, the requestedchange is implemented (e.g., activating a sensor adaptor). In step 1140,the user is notified of the status change (e.g., displaying “off” or“on” depending on the received command). The process 1120 terminates atstep 1142.

The processes 820, 920, 1020 and 1120 above provide information to theuser and/or receive commands, parameters and/or information from theuser. In some embodiments, one or more user interfaces can be generatedand displayed on the display 240, on the computer 164 and/or on remotedevices (e.g., computer communicationally coupled with a distributednetwork, such as the Internet). These user interfaces allow a user tosee information and parameters about the local PLC network, and in someimplementations, allow users to make changes to the parameters andcontrol the local PLC network 120. For example, some interfaces includeentry fields that allow a user to select the field and enter parameterdata into the field (e.g., threshold value entry fields). Similarly, theuser interface can display selectable listings (e.g., listings of sensoradaptors, PLC circuit breakers and/or other devices of the network) thatallow users to highlight or select one or more devices from the list.The selection can be implemented through the use of a mouse, stylist,arrow keys, or other pointing device, touch screen, keyboard numberentry, remote control, and/or other such selection methods. Uponselection of one or more devices parameters, settings, past and/orcurrent status information, and/or other relevant information can beprovided to the user for the selected one or more parameters. Therelevant information can, in some implementations, similarly bedisplayed, selectable and/or editable.

In some embodiments, a sensor adaptor 132 is identified upon initialconnection with the local PLC network 120 by the sensor adaptorsubmitting a notification of its identification, submitting a requestfor an identification and/or the central controller 130 detecting theaddition of the new sensor adaptor and issuing an identification. Theidentification can be generated, in some implementations, by the centralcontrol or a user. For example, upon an initial connection with thelocal PLC network, the central controller can detect the addition of asensor adaptor and can request that a user define an identifier for thesensor adaptor (e.g., “cloths washing machine”, “dishwasher”, “heater”,“computer”, “TV” or other such identifiers). In some instances, thecentral controller can issue a default identification (e.g., a randomnumber or other identifier, such as “sensor adaptor 015”), which can beused by the central controller and/or utilized until a user changes theidentification. Using the identification, the central controller canissue commands, and/or properly associate and use information from thesensor adaptor.

The local PLC network 120 is configured such that the central controller130 communicates over the local power lines 134, 136 with the sensoradaptors 132 and/or consumer products having sensor adaptor capabilities(e.g., consumer product 143). The central controller provides remotemonitoring and/or control over the local PLC network 120. As describedabove, the central controller 130 receives runtime and/or history datafrom the one or more sensor adaptors 132, consumer products 140-143and/or PLC circuit breakers 720 to track current and/or power usage ofthe consumer products, and provide a user with network conditions, usageand control. Additionally or alternatively in some embodiments, thecentral controller 130 can be partially or fully implemented through thecomputer 164 or other consumer product 140-143 having sufficientprocessing capabilities, controller software and/or firmware.

Some embodiments further include the network interface 160 that allowsthe transmission and/or reception of communications over one or moredistributed networks 162. Additionally or alternatively, the computer164 can include a network interface 166 that allows communicationbetween the local PLC network 120 and the distributed network 162.Further in some implementations, the central controller 130 cancommunicate external to and/or from the local PLC network 120 throughthe external PLC network 150, for example, to an external networkinterface (not shown). Providing communication external to the local PLCnetwork allows the central controller 130 to forward parameters, usageinformation and/or statistical information to users at remote locationsand/or to other entities (e.g., tracking companies, security companies,and other such entities). Further, remote users can adjust parametersand/or forward control commands to the local PLC network 120 from remotelocations. This gives users greater flexibility and/or control over thelocal PLC network. The communications to and/or from the local PLCnetwork can be encrypted, verified or otherwise secured in attempts toavoid authorized access, control and/or use of the local PLC network120. Additionally and/or alternatively, the central controller can allowthreshold levels to be adjusted through the central controller (eitherdirectly at the central controller, or other device, such as through thecomputer) and the central controller can forward the threshold levels tothe sensor adaptors where the sensor adaptors compare current usagelevels to the thresholds and determine locally whether to interruptcurrent flow to the consumer product.

In some embodiments, the local PLC network additionally or alternativelyincludes one or more computers or other processor devices 164. Thecomputer 164 can communicate over the local PLC with the networkinterface 160 and/or include a network interface 166 that allowscommunication with the distributed network 162. In some implementations,the network interface 160 can be replaced by the computer networkinterface 166 such that the central controller 130 can receive andtransmit communications over the distributed network 162 through thecomputer network interface 166.

Further, the local PLC network allows a user greater control overconsumer products and provides a user with information about the currentlevel usage over the network. For example, a user can quickly check tosee whether desired consumer products are on or off from a singlelocation avoiding the need to go around checking each product. Further,users can learn the electricity usage of products to allow better energysaving efforts to conserve power and reduce costs. Further, employingthe sensor adaptor allows a user to take advantage of the local PLCnetwork and control consumer products without having to replace consumerproducts with PLC-ready products, and instead can continue to useexisting consumer products. As such, the sensor adaptors and/or centralcontroller allow a local PLC network to be quickly and easilyimplemented, at relatively low costs.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means ofspecific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modificationsand variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

1. A method for use in controlling power usage over a power linenetwork, comprising: receiving, from over a local power linecommunication (PLC) network at a central controller of a local PLCnetwork, a local current usage level of current delivered from the localPLC network to a consumer product coupled with the local PLC network;determining at the central controller whether there is a predeterminedrelationship between the local current usage level and a threshold;communicating from the central controller an interrupt command over thelocal PLC network when there is a predetermined relationship between thelocal current usage level and the threshold; and communicating from thecentral controller a reconnect command over the local PLC network as aresult of the communicating the interrupt command and at a time afterthe communicating the interrupt command.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising: monitoring the local current usage level of thecurrent received from the local power line communication (PLC) networkand delivered to the consumer product; communicating the local currentusage level over the local PLC network such that the receiving the localcurrent usage level at the central controller comprises receiving, fromover the local PLC network at the central controller, the local currentusage level in response to the communicating the local current usagelevel over the local PLC network; and reconnecting current to theconsumer product in response to the reconnect command received over thePLC power line when delivery of the current to the consumer product isinterrupted.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the monitoring the localcurrent usage comprises monitoring, at a sensor adaptor coupled betweenthe local PLC network and the consumer product, the local current usagelevel of the current received from the local PLC network and deliveredthrough the sensor adaptor to the consumer product; and thecommunicating the local current usage level over the local PLC networkcomprises communicating from the sensor adaptor the local current usagelevel over the local PLC network.
 4. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising: receiving the interrupt command at the sensor adaptor fromover the local PLC network; and interrupting current through the sensoradaptor to the consumer product in response to the receiving of theinterrupt command received over the local PLC network.
 5. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the determining whether there is the predeterminedrelationship between the local current usage level and the thresholdcomprises summing a plurality of local current usage levels communicatedfrom the sensor adaptor with the local current usage level, anddetermining whether there is a predetermined relationship between a sumof the plurality of local current usage levels and the threshold.
 6. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the monitoring the local current usagecomprises monitoring the local current usage level through a PLC circuitbreaker coupled with the local PLC network of current passing throughthe PLC circuit breaker; and the communicating of the local currentusage level over the local PLC network comprises communicating from thePLC circuit breaker the local current usage level over the local PLCnetwork.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: receiving theinterrupt command at the PLC circuit breaker from over the local PLCnetwork; and opening a breaker switch of the PLC circuit breakerinterrupting current through to the consumer product in response to thereceiving of the interrupt command received over the local PLC network.8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: providing a PLC signalpath through the PLC circuit breaker while the breaker switch is openand interrupting the current to the consumer product.
 9. A power linecommunication (PLC) network, comprising: a first PLC circuit breakerconfigured to couple with a local PLC power line, the first PLC circuitbreaker comprising a first breaker switch configured to couple with thelocal PLC power line and to interrupt power to the local PLC power linewhen open, and a first breaker PLC coupler configured to couple acrossthe first breaker switch and to maintain a PLC signal path between thelocal PLC power line and another local PLC power line when the firstbreaker switch is open; a sensor adaptor configured to couple with thelocal PLC power line and one or more consumer products, wherein thesensor adaptor is configured to control current flow from the local PLCpower line to the one or more consumer products; and a centralcontroller configured to couple with the local PLC power line and tocommunicate with the sensor adaptor over the local PLC power line, thecentral controller comprising: a PLC interface configured to couple withthe local PLC power line; and a controller configured to couple with thePLC interface; wherein the controller is configured to receive currentusage information over the local PLC power line from the sensor adaptor,to determine whether the current usage information has a predeterminedrelationship with a first threshold, to generate an interrupt commandfor the sensor adaptor when the current usage information has thepredetermined relationship with the first threshold, and to communicatethe interrupt command over the local PLC power line; and wherein thesensor adaptor is further configured to receive the interrupt commandand to interrupt, in response to receiving the interrupt command, powerto the one or more consumer products.
 10. The PLC network of claim 9,further comprising: a second circuit breaker configured to couplebetween the first circuit breaker and an external PLC network, thesecond circuit breaker comprising: a second breaker switch configured tocouple between the first circuit breaker and the external PLC network,wherein the second breaker switch is configured to allow power to passbetween the external PLC network to the local PLC power line through thefirst circuit breaker when the first and second breaker switches areclosed; and a second breaker PLC signal coupler configured to coupleacross the second breaker switch to provide a communication path betweenthe local PLC power line and the external PLC network regardless of thestate of the second breaker switch.
 11. The PLC network of claim 9,wherein the sensor adaptor comprises: an adaptor switch configured tocouple between the local PLC power line and the one or more consumerproducts, wherein the adaptor switch is further configured to interruptthe current to the one or more consumer products when open; a currentsensor configured to detect current passing through the sensor adaptor;and a PLC interface configured to provide a communication path throughwhich the current usage information is communicated over the local PLCpower line.
 12. An apparatus for use in controlling power usage over apower line network, comprising: means for receiving, from over a localpower line communication (PLC) network at a central controller of alocal PLC network, a local current usage level of current delivered fromthe local PLC network to a consumer product coupled with the local PLCnetwork; means for determining at the central controller whether thereis a predetermined relationship between the local current usage leveland a threshold; means for communicating from the central controller aninterrupt command over the local PLC network in response to determiningat the central controller that there is a predetermined relationshipbetween the local current usage level and the threshold; and means forcommunicating from the central controller a reconnect command over thelocal PLC network as a result of the communicating the interrupt commandand at a time after the communicating the interrupt command.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: means for monitoring thelocal current usage level of the current received from the local powerline communication (PLC) network and delivered to the consumer product;means for communicating the local current usage level over the local PLCnetwork, wherein the means for receiving the local current usage levelis configured to receive, from over the local PLC network at the centralcontroller, the local current usage level in response to receiving acommunication of the local current usage level from the means forcommunicating the local current usage level; and means for reconnectingcurrent in response to the reconnect command received over the PLC powerline when current to the consumer product is interrupted.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for monitoring the localcurrent usage comprises means for monitoring the local current usagelevel at a sensor adaptor of the current received from the local PLCnetwork and delivered through the sensor adaptor to the consumerproduct, where the sensor adaptor is configured to couple between thelocal PLC network and the consumer product; and the means forcommunicating the local current usage level over the local PLC networkcomprises means for communicating from the sensor adaptor the localcurrent usage level over the local PLC network.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, further comprising: means for receiving the interrupt commandat the sensor adaptor from over the local PLC network; and means forinterrupting current through the sensor adaptor to the consumer productin response to receiving the interrupt command received over the localPLC network.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the means fordetermining whether there is the predetermined relationship between thelocal current usage level and the threshold comprises means for summinga plurality of local current usage levels communicated from the sensoradaptor with the local current usage level, and means for determiningwhether there is a predetermined relationship between a sum of theplurality of local current usage levels and the threshold.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for monitoring the localcurrent usage comprises means for monitoring the local current usagelevel through a PLC circuit breaker coupled with the local PLC networkof current passing through the PLC circuit breaker; and the means forcommunicating of the local current usage level over the local PLCnetwork comprises means for communicating from the PLC circuit breakerthe local current usage level over the local PLC network.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, further comprising: means for receiving theinterrupt command at the PLC circuit breaker from over the local PLCnetwork; and means for opening a breaker switch of the PLC circuitbreaker interrupting current through to the consumer product in responseto receiving the interrupt command received over the local PLC network.19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: means for providing aPLC signal path through the PLC circuit breaker while the breaker switchis open and interrupting the current to the consumer product.